New workgroup aims to bring additional businesses to downtown Minneapolis

Krystal Frasier KSTP

[anvplayer video=”5152718″ station=”998122″]

A new workgroup has been tasked to find ways to attract businesses to Minneapolis’ downtown area.

Wednesday, Mayor Jacob Frey announced the new workgroup, which city officials say will analyze current storefront space, study trends and also consider how those ideas can be applied to downtown streets and skyways.

The mayor’s office says the workgroup will start meeting next month.

“Cities that see the most success post-pandemic won’t cling to the old ways that are now changed forever,” Frey said. “Here in Minneapolis, we will step boldly into the future, guided by the top experts in our region, prepared to innovate and adapt. Minneapolis has always been a hub of commerce and innovation, and I am confident that this workgroup will help ensure we continue carrying that legacy forward.”

“This expert Workgroup will play a critical role in helping the community understand current trends and factors affecting downtown retail and storefront uses and charting a course forward from where we are today to a more vibrant future,” Steve Cramer, the president and CEO of mpls downtown council, added. “We face a challenge, but by addressing that challenge head on we can reinvent this important aspect of the downtown economy.”

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey speaks during a press conference on Dec. 14, 2022. (Jason Hanson/KSTP-TV)

As previously reported, the Marshalls store located in the downtown area is scheduled to close Jan. 14, 2023. A number of other businesses in Downtown Minneapolis also their own closings this year, including Red Stag, Stella’s Fish Café, and Ties.